Censor leaks…chairman says there is new technology to curb piracy

Censor board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has becomea controversial personality over unsympathetic yardsticks used to approve films which are now becoming more open in themes and content;

During his 20-month tenure as the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), he has found the going tough since the online leak of censor copies of ‘Udta Punjab’ and ‘Great Grand Masti’ recently.

Nihalani admits that DCP, an encrypted format for submitting movies will go a long way in curbing piracy. Apart from being cost-efficient, producers can spend only Rs 30,000 instead of 80,000 on this new format.

Talking about The Cinematograph Act, 1952, Nihalani feels that it has not managed to meet demands of the new wave of cinema.

The CBFC head says that total freedom of expression can never be possible in any country in the world. “To protect the country’s culture and ethos, we need to have some restrictions,” says Nihalani.

When asked if he is in favour of censorship, Nihalani says that he is in favour of controlled censorship so that no one can assault Indian values and culture. “Our lawmakers know what is best for this country’s cinema and we should abide by this,” says Nihalani.

His recent tweet in support of ‘A Flying Jatt’ has had its share of controversy as many felt that since his son, Chirag, is working for the film’s producer, he has some personal axe to grind, Nihalani says that the tweet was from his personal account and it has nothing to do with CBFC.

He praised A Flying Jatt highly as if other films should follow its example.

According to him, the board has ensured greater transparency and accountability. – CINEWS